James’ community involvement started decades ago. She organized the first Hispanic women’s business organization in Orange County 40 years ago and was the first to identify the need for such a group to advance the interests of Hispanic business women in the region. As a female entrepreneur in Orange County, she mentors others and stresses the importance of integration.

“Orange County is proud to support the growing number of women-owned Hispanic businesses,” said Orange County District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla. “The local economy is composed of mainly small companies, so entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in our economic development ecosystem – and Mercy James is an exceptional citizen in District 5.”